Koke
ATM
Resumes training
Koke (hamstring) was working on the grass during training Friday, according to his club.
Analysis: Koke has been out for three matches with a hamstring injury and is now working towards his return, as the midfielder was back on grass this week. That said, he was not pictured working with the team, only individually. He has started in four of his eight appearances this season, a solid veteran rotational option once fit again.
Suffers left hamstring injury
Koke (hamstring) has been ruled out for Saturday's La Liga clash against Espanyol after medical tests confirmed an injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh, according to the club.
Analysis: Koke faces another spell on the sidelines after recently missing Atletico Madrid's Champions League encounter against Manchester United due to personal reasons. The captain had resumed individual training following a family bereavement but is now dealing with a confirmed muscular injury that will delay his return to competitive action. His recovery will determine when he can rejoin team training, leaving Atletico short of an experienced option in central midfield. Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios remain leading candidates to feature in his absence, while Marcos Llorente could also provide cover centrally.
Ruled out against Espanyol
Koke (personal) will miss Saturday's La Liga clash against Espanyol after coach Diego Simeone confirmed his absence during Friday's press conference, per Diario AS.
Analysis: Koke remains unavailable for Atletico Madrid after taking time away from the squad following a family bereavement. The veteran midfielder missed Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Manchester United and has since resumed individual training, although he will not be part of Saturday's squad against Espanyol. His absence, combined with Johnny Cardoso's unavailability due to illness, leaves coach Simeone with fewer options in central midfield. Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are the leading candidates to feature, while Marcos Llorente could also move into a central role.
Valuable veteran captain
Koke came on in Atletico Madrid's derby win over Real Madrid and completed 45 minutes, continuing his role as a rotation option for the Colchoneros.
Analysis: Koke has settled into a bench role at 34 years old but remains a trusted option for manager Diego Simeone, entering the derby to add control in central midfield. He was left out of the starting XI for that match alongside Morten Hjulmand, with Johnny Cardoso preferred as the lone holding midfielder. He continues to carry weight in the rotation despite his advancing age and reduced role, contributing nine chances created, 12 tackles, three interceptions and 12 crosses in eight appearances across all competitions.
Signs extension through 2027
Koke signed a one-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid, committing to the club through June 2027, the club announced.
Analysis: Koke made his debut with the first team on September 19, 2009, and has gone on to make 740 official appearances for the club, scoring 50 goals and providing 122 assists, making him the player with the most appearances in the club's history. The 34-year-old captain has won eight trophies during his time at the club, including two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, two Europa League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and a Spanish Super Cup, placing him second only to Adelardo in terms of silverware won as a player for Atletico. His extension ensures the Colchoneros will retain their captain and most experienced figure in the squad for the 2026-27 season, which gets underway officially on the weekend of August 16.
Five crosses Saturday
Koke recorded one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Koke recorded five crosses Saturday, including a season-high three accurate crosses. He also created two chances in a productive day on the attack. It's been another modest season for the central midfielder as he has two goals and two assists through 31 appearances (21 starts) in La Liga this season.
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